Looking back to find strength

Scripture: “I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you.” – 2 Samuel 7.8-9

Reflection: When approaching adversity in my life it’s helpful to look backward. When it seems like the challenges are larger than the resources to overcome them, or when it seems like instead of a sprinkle of inconvenience you’re in the midst of a monsoon of tragedy, it’s helpful to look backward. When we look back, likely we’ll see chapters that were just as gloomy; chapters where we have the clarity of hindsight to identify where God was at work sustaining us in the midst of crisis.

I remember the wisdom of my grandma who lived through the depression. The circumstances she and her family overcame were so far from my experience that when I’m in the midst of something that seems insurmountable, I remember those stories. I remember their survival. In looking back, I am given the strength to move forward, even through hard things.

Here, Nathan reminds David to look back. Well, really God is the one looking back, Nathan is the one relaying the nostalgic message. God, in essence, saying, Hey Dave, remember that you were a scrawny shepherd and I took you from tending the flock to being a king? Remember that wherever you have gone, in battle or adversity, that I had your back? Remember those things, and as you face what is to come, do so with the faith that one day you’ll look back on this chapter, and say to me: ‘thanks God, for pulling me through.’

Today may you look back and be encouraged by how God has worked before. May you have faith that God is working now, and may you know in our heart that when you look back on this quarantine, years from now, you’ll be able to say, ‘thanks God, for pulling me through.’

Focus: Looking back to find strength

Prayer: God thank you for sustaining me through challenges and changes in the past. Soothe my anxiety by the faith that comes in knowing you will continue to sustain me still. Amen.